Western ragweed is a native perennial that prefers dry, sandy sites and disturbed areas, much like common ragweed and giant ragweed. It grows about one to three feet tall, with hairy, lobed, lance shaped leaves (C) which are arranged oppositely lower on the stem, becoming alternately arranged in the upper branches. The flowers are spikes of very small and yellowish-green (B), with male flowers located higher up on the spike and female flowers located lower. Both male and female flowers are present on the same plant (monoecious).